Rams training camp: 5 takeaways from Day 10

The Los Angeles Rams held their second joint practice with the Chargers on Wednesday, and while the constant fighting was the main storyline, there was plenty of good to come out of yesterday’s action.

For the Rams, the offense continues to improve, but it’s not yet firing on all cylinders. The defense, on the other hand, has been the better unit and proved that once again on Wednesday night.

Here are five takeaways from Day 10 of camp.

The offense is still a work in progress

Wednesday night’s joint practice with the Chargers was a step in the right direction for the Rams, but the offense continues to be the weaker side of the ball. According to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN, the Rams didn’t cross the Chargers’ 40-yard line once in the two-minute drill. That’s not a great sign, but take it with a grain of salt. Los Angeles didn’t have Tavon Austin, arguably their best offensive weapon, and it was against a defense the team hadn’t really prepared for. However, it’s clear there are still improvements that need to be made.

The defensive backs are extremely aggressive

If there’s been one standout group in training camp, it’s the defensive backs. They’ve played with a high level of intensity and aggression, leading to some great plays in practice. Wednesday was no different as things got even more intense than normal. Trumaine Johnson got into a fight with Dontrelle Inman, leading to both players’ helmets being taken from them. Then, cornerback E.J. Gaines got into it with another Charger, which was the third fight of the day. Outside of the fighting, the Rams’ defensive backs had a great day against Philip Rivers, essentially neutralizing his deep passes.

Rob Havenstein would rather play right tackle

One of the best battles of the day was the one between Havenstein and Joey Bosa. The veteran offensive lineman has spent time at right guard and right tackle during camp, but he may have to stay at the latter after Wednesday’s showing. He held his own against Bosa, proving he may be a better fit at right tackle than Jamon Brown. Havenstein said after practice that he feels more comfortable at right tackle, but still isn’t sure where he’ll play when the season kicks off.

Jared Goff is getting more comfortable in the offense

Day by day, Goff is getting better and better in Sean McVay’s offense. He had a good showing against the Chargers, who boast a strong defense with playmakers at every level. He drove the ball downfield more than he did in Saturday’s joint practice, which is a positive development after he struggled in that department last season.

“Yeah, about time. Deep balls come. I think early on in camp you’re just figuring out timing sometimes and just some different things with guys, but it takes time sometimes. I think they are starting to come. We were starting to hit a few today. It was a good job by the receivers of getting open downfield.”

Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

There are plenty of pass-catchers on offense

Despite not having Tavon Austin, Goff showed off just how many options he has on offense. While they may not be as talented as other teams’, he doesn’t have to center his attention around one guy the way he did last season. In 11-on-11, he targeted Pharoh Cooper six times, Tyler Higbee five times and threw three passes each in the direction of Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp. Once Austin gets back into the mix, the Rams will have a significantly better group of receivers than they had in 2016.